This post is part of our record of great campsites and spots we find along the way. We are hoping that the information below, accurate to the best of our knowledge, will help you in planning an awesome camping experience, and help us in remembering and recording some of the places we have been along the way. For a more general recap of free and budget camping options, check out this post.
Overview
Poplar River is one of many small “rustic” campgrounds in the Superior National Forest. There are four sites available, all with access to the beautiful Poplar River. To reach this site, you must travel over roughly 15 miles of well-maintained dirt road. Sites are first come first serve and on the three days we were there (Thursday-Sunday) all four spots were taken. Camping at Poplar River is free. There is one centrally located pit toilet.
What’s Awesome:
–Poplar River itself is lovely, perfect for wading or a quick dip
–2 bars of Verizon WiFi (did not expect that)
–All four sites have paths down to the river
–Sites are in the trees and spread out and relatively private
–There are fire pits, picnic tables
–We enjoyed road walking to to White Pine Lake (which has a slightly more developed campground) and is just 1.5 miles away
— Superior National Forest Trailheads nearby
–There are MANY beautiful lakes within a half hour’s drive of Poplar River. We visited five in one afternoon, creating our own scenic loop drive (Bring a kayak or canoe if you can)
— Biking seemed to be popular on the dirt roads nearby– many connecting and well maintained dirt roads in th earea
–The forest here is beautiful, lush and deep.
The Downside
–Mosquitos! There are MANY of them. Come prepared!
–The pit toilet was usable but pretty nasty
